Community Relations

A Commitment to People. Caring for a Cause. Clearly, a Cultural Legacy.

At Columbian Chemicals Company, our commitment to high standards and our core values extend to the relationships we have with the communities in which we operate and the environment upon which we all depend. Our communities are as diverse as the customers we serve. We are located throughout eleven countries and on four continents.

Our Focus is Clear

In addition, Columbian is actively involved in its communities through participation in civic and charitable organizations. Columbian’s operations are often long-time members of the community and have become the employer of choice because of the dignity and respect with which we treat our employees and neighbors. Our concern is expressed through our involvement with educational, civic and charitable organizations, ranging from playground safety training at local elementary schools to financial support and sponsorship of organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for all, at the individual, community, or environmental level. Columbian’s employees are encouraged to volunteer and participate in activities that support their local communities and their efforts are frequently recognized, both inside and outside of the company.

Over the years, Columbian has provided support to charitable organizations including (but not limited to):

United Way
Toys for Tots
ChrisKids
United Way
SafePath

The company is also involved with many organizations (such as child advocacy centers, firefighters, health departments, and a whole host of elementary and high schools) throughout the United States and abroad. Each community is unique, their needs different, and Columbian continues to expand its reach to the communities in which we work and live together.

At Columbian, we dedicate our human resources to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Currently, we have five divergent focus areas of giving:

Education

Columbian believes that education is the foundational component for success in the future. A solid foundation is a necessary part of building a winning program. As one of our focus areas, we encourage the support of learning opportunities in primary, secondary and post –secondary levels. We also are committed to programs which facilitate work force readiness, teacher preparation or training and student achievement.

K-12 (primary/secondary) public school programs
Colleges and Universities (i.e., research related manufacturing, areas- engineering, general or international business)

Safety

Here at Columbian, safety is our number one goal. We incorporate safety into every facet of our organization and working in the communities we operate no differently Our safety theme, “Quest for Zero” reflects the importance of making the professional environment in which we operate a safe one, but we also extend this theme to the communities that Columbian seeks to partner with. We are involved in several programs including:

Family Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs
Safety for Children and Families
Basic Safety Training and Prevention

Community Development

Community development is essential for long-term growth. Fostering and maintaining relationships among representatives of a community helps that community thrive. Columbian remains committed to working with local communities to achieve economic success. In the past, Columbian has supported various programs that include the development of a center for ocean exploration, and the development of a theatre-style venue geared toward hosting entertainment activities.

Arts and Culture

We support organizations or programs that fall under one of the following arts and culture focus areas, and demonstrate one or more of the criteria listed.

Performing and Visual Arts

Performances or exhibitions that highlight cultural diversity, address another Columbian Chemicals funding category or issue of interest, or connect the arts with science and technology
Organizations or projects that reflect collaborations with other cultural organizations and/or community organizations

Arts in Education and Community Outreach

Programs that promote appreciation of the arts, inspire learning in children, and/or bring the arts to the classroom or the classroom to the arts
Creative outreach strategies to encourage participation in the arts among various audiences, including diverse and minority populations and/or low-income families and individuals
Programs that use art as a medium for conflict resolution or therapeutic expression

General Giving Program Exclusions

Columbian has the following program exclusions and does not provide support to the following:

Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status
Programs in communities where Columbian Chemicals does not have an operating presence
Individuals, including support for specific students, researchers, travel funds, conference fees, medical procedures, etc.
Advertising
Fraternal, veteran or labor organizations
Religious activities, churches, or church sponsored programs limited to church membership
Political or lobbying organizations, or those supporting the candidacy of a particular individual
Foundations which are themselves grant-making entities
Auxiliary organizations, unless the auxiliary is the sole fundraising or fiduciary arm of the (parent) organization
Debt-reduction campaigns or operational deficits
Funds for capital campaigns or equipment
Organizations that may pose a conflict with the goals, programs, products or employees of Columbian Chemicals

Funding Cycle

Columbian Chemicals operates and provides contributions in a calendar year. To be considered for funding, proposals must be submitted by August 1 of a calendar year to be considered to receive funding in the following calendar year.

For example: proposals must be submitted by August 1, 2004 to be considered to receive funding in 2005. (If approved for funding, contributions are awarded on a date determined by Columbian Chemicals and the recipient organization).

Key Dates:

August 1: Deadline to submit proposals for consideration
November 30: Notification
January 1-December 31 (following year): Grant awards made

Grant Application Process

In order to receive funding from the company, we must have the following components in your application:

Brief, two-page summary statement outlining the organization’s project/program and current needs. Please include the amount requested, the funds use, the funding cycle, and other pertinent information
Program/project budget support, including committed/pending funds

Please note: Columbian Chemicals makes grants to organizations and programs only in communities where we have a presence. View a listing of our operational locations.

To Apply:

Send proposals via mail to:

Columbian Chemicals Company
Attention: Community Relations – Communications Department
1800 West Oak Commons Court
Marietta, Georgia 30062-2253